Retired General Cites Risks in US Withdrawal From Iraq

Why it matters locally: As the nation's capital, the District of Columbia is home to numerous federal agencies and defense-related organizations that would be directly involved in or affected by a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding Iraq.

Retired Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, a former commander of United States forces in Iraq, has publicly discussed the potential security consequences of a US withdrawal. General McMaster specifically identified the possibility of an empowered Iran and increased vulnerability for Iraq against ISIS. General McMaster previously led American troops during his service in Iraq. He presented his assessment regarding the ramifications of a US military departure from the country.